Why are pulses an important ingredient in meal?

Children’s charity Akshaya Patra has set examples of quality nutritious meal which is ideal to be served to growing children in Bangalore and across the country. Being India’s one of the top NGOs running a mid-day meal programme, the organisation focuses on serving wholesome food to school children. This NGO strictly abides by the dietary norms as stated by the Central Mid-Day Meal Scheme.

A human body grows remarkably fast between 5 and 18 years of age.  When this growth is stunted during childhood, the body becomes more susceptible to diseases. So it’s important to ensure that the children are fed with the right diet. The charity organisation from Bangalore is working in line with this consideration on a large scale across the country.

The ensure the meal is of top quality, the organisation uses pulses in all of its nutritious meals that are being served every school-day. This sends out a strong message for including pulses in every day meals. These benefits are: 

1. Sufficient intake of Protein

The meals provided by Akshaya Patra consist of pulses like toordal, fortified soy dal, urad dal, cow pea, moong dal, green gram, sprouts, etc. It is a known fact that protein is an essential building block of bones, muscles, cartilage, skin and blood. It helps in building and repairing tissues. For ambitious students like Lakshmi who studies in a school supported by the charity organisation in Bangalore, these healthy meals are really a boon. The top NGO also makes people aware of these benefits as it encourages them towards donating or charity fundraising. 

2. Fulfilled with essential vitamins and minerals

Pulses are a source of the necessary vitamins and minerals which are good for overall health. Minerals such as iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc and vitamin B (folate, thiamine and niacin) are found in pulses. The beneficiaries get to consume such meal though our School-lunch Programme. Various donations and charity fundraising help us procure the ingredients through which we can ensure quality meal for the children. 

3. A satiating meal

While pulses are low in calories (260-360 kcal/ 100 g dried pulses), they are high in fibre and complex carbohydrates, which means that they are slowly digested and give a feeling of satiety. Pulses promote a steady, slow-burning energy while their iron content helps to transport oxygen throughout the body, which boosts energy production and metabolism.

4. Lower risk of cardiovascular disorders

If consumed in appropriate quantity, pulses can help in fulfilling as much as 60% of the daily value of fibre required for the body. The fibre in the pulses is known to improve heart health. Pulses are also rich in potassium which can lower blood pressure by counteracting the effects of sodium. The children studying in government and government-aided schools of Bangalore and in other cities are receiving a healthy diet every day served by this charity. This ensures that they grow up with a lower risk of cardiovascular disorders.

So, gift new hopes and dreams to the children and contribute to their well-being by engaging in charity fundraising activities. Donate today or fundraise for the cause.

Why children need wholesome mid-day meal?

Children’s charities around the world often emphasise on wholesome meal for the efficient growth of their body and mind. This meal would have lean proteins, carbs and fats. Children need a generous amount of all the three for an efficient growth of body and mind. Here’s how:

Brain health

Proper nutrition served through a good meal increases blood flow within the brain, protecting brain cells. A wholesome meal would have Vitamin E and other important nutrients that are crucial for brain health.  That’s why several children’s charities stress on feeding such meal to children. Children’s charity Akshaya Patra’s kitchens located in cities such as Lucknow, Bhillai, Mysuru, etc., serve mid-day meals that are nutritious covering healthy amounts of proteins, vitamins and carbs. 

Bone and teeth strength 

A wholesome meal is rich in calcium and keeps bones and teeth of the children strong. This helps prevent bone loss associated with osteoporosis when they grow up. Calcium is mostly found in low-fat dairy products, dark green vegetables and fortified foods such as soy products and cereals which are the usual ingredients used in the school lunch prepared at Akshaya Patra kitchens.

Getting the right body weight

A balance diet helps them achieve a proper body weight which is essential for their physical and their mental health. Children’s charities around the world focus on a protein-rich diet with a good balance of carbs for the simple reason that they don’t want the children to be either under or over weight. Both the conditions are detrimental for their healthy growth during childhood. NGOs like Akshaya Patra which have presence in several major cities of India such as Bengaluru, Surat and Lucknow, follow a strict meal plan for serving school lunch. The food here is cooked according to primary and upper primary classes so that the right amount of proteins and micro nutrients are served to the children. In terms of amount of nutrients, the meals differ as per the age of the children. 

Boosts immunity, fosters self-confidence

A wholesome meal protects children against diseases. Little do we realise that this has a connection with the children’s emotional health. Children who remain ill often find it hard to cope with homework and school activities that often put them under stress. Inability to compete with peers gives them emotional imbalance that they cannot deal with. A wholesome meal boosts immunity and builds confidence and self-respect among children.

How lunch benefits children?

After breakfast, the next important meal for children is lunch.  When children eat their next meal in the middle of the day, several hours after breakfast, it re-energises their bodies. This is vital for children this keeps their metabolism active. That’s why the NGO Akshaya Patra serves wholesome mid-day meals in schools in Lucknow, Bengaluru, Mysuru, Nasik and several other places so that children take their lunch seriously and keep their metabolism active.

You can contribute positively towards this initiative and in turn contribute in the healthy growth and development of children in India. Donate today.